Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)

The Great Horned Owl is a formidable predator with iconic 'ear tufts' and large yellow eyes. These feathers belong to a bird with a wingspan of up to 5 feet. The plumage is designed for total stealth, allowing the owl to ambush prey ranging from rodents to skunks and other raptors.

Mottled brown, cream, and buff. One feather shows heavy dark brown transverse barring on a lighter buff background, while the other shows a paler, almost white base with crisp, dark brown jagged bands. These represent the dorsal and ventral aspects or variation across different primary positions.

Pennaceous structure with specialized velvet-like pile (fimbriae) on the dorsal surface and a comb-like fringe (flutings) on the leading edge to dampen sound during flight. Bases show plumulaceous (downy) barbs.

Incredibly soft and silky to the touch due to the 'hirsute' surface (tiny hair-like extensions on the barbs). The appearance is matte rather than glossy, which aids in camouflage and sound reduction.

Serrations (comb-like edges) on the leading vane, velvet-like surface texture, and distinct broad, dark transverse bands on a buff/cream background.

Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.

Year-round resident across most of North America, stretching from the Arctic treeline south through Central America and into parts of South America.

Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of small to medium mammals and are vital indicators of ecosystem health due to their position at the top of the food chain.

Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but significantly smaller and narrower. Barred Owl feathers lack the distinct 'toothed' serrations of the Great Horned and have more regular, less mottled banding.

Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 300 psi. They are one of the few animals that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.

Excellent condition. The barbs are mostly intact with minimal fraying at the tips, suggesting they were recently molted from a healthy adult.